How to Become an HV Cable Jointer in Wind Energy

A wind farm is connected by hundreds of kilometers of cable:

• Inter-array cables connect the turbines to each other and to the substation, typically at 33 kV or 66 kV.
• Export cables bring the power from the offshore substation to shore, at even higher voltages (often 132 kV and up).

Every end of every cable has to be prepared, jointed or terminated, and tested. That's the jointer's job:

• preparing the cable: stripping the layers in exactly the right order and to exact dimensions
• fitting terminations and separable connectors in the turbine or substation
• making joints where two cables meet
• supporting testing, fault finding and repairs

It's precise, skilled handwork. Each cable and accessory maker has its own system and installation instructions. For example, PFISTERER's CONNEX connectors are widely used in wind, and Nexans makes a wide range of joints and terminations. One small mistake in preparation can lead to a cable failure later, so the industry wants proven competency, not just attendance at a course.

👉 Where jointers fit in a wind project: Wind Turbine Installation: From Ground to Grid

Why Jointers Are in Such High Demand

• A lot of cable work is happening. Wind farms are being built fast onshore and offshore, and each one needs many cable terminations and joints.
• Bigger turbines mean higher voltages. The industry is moving from 33 kV to 66 kV inter-array cables, which carry more turbines per cable string. That needs jointers certified at 66 kV, and there aren't enough of them.
• Repairs and maintenance. Cable faults are one of the costly problems on wind farms, so experienced jointers are needed long after construction.

What it pays

Pay varies by country, experience and contract. Two real examples:

• An offshore 66 kV HV cable jointer contract advertised at €700–750 per day on a 14/14 rotation, asking for at least three years of 66 kV experience.
• Offshore Wind Scotland gives typical salaries of £40,000–55,000 onshore and £55,000–80,000+ offshore, depending on rotation and experience.

Demand changes over time, so keep an eye on the market. Our Workforce Radar shows which skills job ads are asking for right now.

Do You Need to Be an Electrician?

Not always, but it helps.

Jointing is a specialist craft. Many jointers come from electrical apprenticeships, power distribution, utilities or marine electrical work, and some employers ask for an electrical qualification or HV authorisation. But there are also routes in without a full electrician's license, through entry courses and on-the-job experience as a jointer's mate.

What every employer wants is proof you can make a good joint: certificates from recognised training centres and accessory manufacturers, backed by real experience.

The Career Path, Step by Step

1. Start as a jointer's mate (craft attendant)

A jointer's mate supports experienced jointers: preparing cables, handling materials, assisting with installation. Short courses exist for this. For example, PASS in the UK runs a two-day HV Cable Jointer's Mate course that needs no previous cable experience and ends with a written and practical exam.

This is the best way to get on site, see real jointing work and learn from experienced people.

👉 PASS: High Voltage Cable Jointer's Mate course

2. Learn LV and MV jointing

Next, take jointing courses for low and medium voltage: cable construction, preparation, terminations and joints. Training centres like PASS also offer HV jointing courses (for example terminations above 1,000 V).

👉 PASS: Cable jointing courses

3. Get manufacturer-certified competency

This is where your value really grows. Accessory manufacturers run competency courses on their own products, and wind employers ask for these certificates by name. Some examples:

• Nexans (UK Training Centre): jointer competency courses up to 66 kV. Candidates are assessed first. You prepare and terminate a cable test piece, which is then tested in the lab for AC withstand and partial discharge (it must stay below 10 pC to pass). Successful candidates get a certificate, a photo card and a test report. Courses are booked through Nexans' UK partner Thorne & Derrick.
• Nexans 66 kV: a three-day course for jointers who are already competent at 33 kV, aimed at offshore wind work.
• PFISTERER CONNEX (training courses): installation certificate courses of 1 to 1.5 days for jointers already working at 33 kV and above, plus a half-day re-certification. Certificates are valid for 3 years. Bring your own PPE, and plan to pay for your own accommodation.

Cable makers such as NKT also have their own installation certificates, which some offshore jobs list as an advantage.

Companies like Reynard High Voltage Solutions in the Netherlands, an HV jointing contractor, also offer training and certification for HV personnel.

4. Add the wind tickets

To work on wind farms, especially offshore, you'll also need:

• GWO BST (with Sea Survival offshore)
• GWO Enhanced First Aid and Slinger Signaller, often required in offshore jointer ads
• an offshore medical
• sometimes confined space training
• HUET with CA-EBS is good to have - you may travel to workplace by helicopter then

👉 The Essential Certifications Every Wind Tech Needs 👉 GWO Training Prices in Europe (BST & BTT) and How to Choose a Centre

5. Build experience and move up

Most well-paid offshore jointer jobs ask for years of experience at a specific voltage, for example three years at 66 kV, and often a trade test before you start. Keep a record of every job: voltage, accessory type, number of terminations. Later steps include extra-high-voltage (EHV) jointing (132 kV and above), subsea cable work and jointing supervisor roles.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Jointer courses aren't cheap, and you'll often pay for travel and accommodation yourself. But compared with what experienced jointers earn, the investment can pay back quickly. If you're looking to move up and have some money to invest in yourself, it's one of the strongest options in wind right now.

Before you book:

1. Check the entry requirements. Many competency courses need proven experience at the level below.
2. Look at job ads for the role you want and see which certificates they name (CONNEX, Nexans, NKT, voltage level).
3. Ask the training centre how the assessment works. Choose competency training with a real test, not just familiarisation.
4. Plan your path: mate → LV/MV → 33 kV → 66 kV, rather than jumping straight to the top.

👉 OSHA & Electrical Certifications Explained 👉 Put your jointing experience on your CV properly: CV Builder 📬 Browse current wind jobs and subscribe to job alerts

Pay figures are examples from one job advert and from Offshore Wind Scotland, not guarantees. Course details change, so always check current requirements with the training provider.